What To Know
- Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento offer a range of powertrain options, catering to different preferences and driving styles.
- Both SUVs offer similar powertrain options, with the Kia Sorento slightly edging out the Hyundai Santa Fe in terms of horsepower for the turbocharged engine.
- While the Kia Sorento offers slightly more cargo space, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a longer wheelbase, leading to more legroom for passengers in the third row.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. Both offer a compelling blend of style, comfort, and practicality, but one key difference often arises: what is bigger hyundai santa fe or kia sorento? While both are categorized as mid-size SUVs, their dimensions and interior space can vary, influencing your choice based on your specific needs.
Comparing the Dimensions: A Tale of Inches
To determine the bigger SUV, we need to delve into the numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the key dimensions:
Hyundai Santa Fe:
- Length: 193.0 inches
- Width: 74.4 inches
- Height: 67.9 inches
- Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Kia Sorento:
- Length: 191.1 inches
- Width: 75.8 inches
- Height: 69.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
From these figures, it’s evident that the Kia Sorento marginally surpasses the Hyundai Santa Fe in width and height. However, the Santa Fe boasts a slightly longer wheelbase, a crucial factor affecting passenger legroom.
Interior Space: Comfort and Cargo Capacity
While the dimensions provide a general idea, it’s the interior space that truly matters. Let’s examine how the two SUVs fare in terms of passenger comfort and cargo capacity:
Hyundai Santa Fe:
- Passenger Capacity: 7
- Cargo Space (behind third row): 14.1 cubic feet
- Cargo Space (behind second row): 36.4 cubic feet
- Cargo Space (all seats folded): 71.3 cubic feet
Kia Sorento:
- Passenger Capacity: 7
- Cargo Space (behind third row): 12.6 cubic feet
- Cargo Space (behind second row): 38.4 cubic feet
- Cargo Space (all seats folded): 75.5 cubic feet
The Kia Sorento emerges as the winner in terms of cargo space, offering slightly more room with all seats folded and behind the second row. However, the Santa Fe offers more legroom for passengers in the third row.
Powertrain Options: Performance and Efficiency
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento offer a range of powertrain options, catering to different preferences and driving styles. Let’s explore the key differences:
Hyundai Santa Fe:
- Base Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (191 hp)
- Optional Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (277 hp)
- Hybrid Option: 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder + Electric Motor (226 hp)
- Plug-in Hybrid Option: 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder + Electric Motor (261 hp)
Kia Sorento:
- Base Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (191 hp)
- Optional Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (281 hp)
- Hybrid Option: 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder + Electric Motor (227 hp)
- Plug-in Hybrid Option: 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder + Electric Motor (261 hp)
Both SUVs offer similar powertrain options, with the Kia Sorento slightly edging out the Hyundai Santa Fe in terms of horsepower for the turbocharged engine. However, both offer efficient and powerful choices, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Technology and Features: A Battle of Convenience
Modern SUVs are packed with advanced technology and features, and the Santa Fe and Sorento are no exception. Here’s a glimpse of what they offer:
Hyundai Santa Fe:
- Infotainment System: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Driver Assistance Features: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control
- Safety Features: Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Kia Sorento:
- Infotainment System: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Driver Assistance Features: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control
- Safety Features: Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of technology and features, ensuring a comfortable and safe driving experience. The difference lies in the specific details and functionalities, which are best explored through individual research and test drives.
Price and Value: The Bottom Line
The price of these SUVs can vary depending on trim level, options, and regional factors. However, a general comparison can be made:
Hyundai Santa Fe:
- Starting MSRP: Around $30,000
Kia Sorento:
- Starting MSRP: Around $31,000
While the Kia Sorento starts at a slightly higher price point, both offer excellent value for their features and capabilities. The final decision ultimately depends on your budget and priorities.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SUV for You
So, what is bigger hyundai santa fe or kia sorento? While the Kia Sorento offers slightly more cargo space, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a longer wheelbase, leading to more legroom for passengers in the third row. Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize cargo space and overall interior volume, the Kia Sorento might be the better option. However, if passenger comfort and legroom are paramount, the Hyundai Santa Fe could be the ideal choice. Both SUVs offer a compelling package of style, performance, technology, and safety features, making them excellent contenders in the mid-size SUV segment.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are excellent choices for families. The Santa Fe offers more legroom for passengers in the third row, while the Sorento provides more cargo space. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your family’s specific needs and preferences.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: Both SUVs offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, which are significantly more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts. The specific fuel economy figures can vary depending on the trim level and powertrain chosen.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: Both Hyundai and Kia offer comprehensive warranties, but Hyundai offers a slightly longer powertrain warranty. The specific warranty details can vary depending on the model year and trim level.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both Hyundai and Kia have consistently ranked high in reliability studies. The specific reliability ratings can vary depending on the model year and trim level.
Q: Which SUV is better overall?
A: The best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento offer excellent features, performance, and value. It’s best to research both models thoroughly and test drive them to make an informed decision.
